UGDC establishes national presence at Gastech expo

According to Business Recorder, Universal Gas Distribution Company (UGDC) took part in Gastech 2026 in Thailand, holding a stand at BITEC from September 14 to 17. The event marks the first time Pakistan has joined the forum in its 54-year history, and the company presented itself as the country's representative there.

UGDC chief executive Ghiyas Paracha told reporters at the expo that a government policy earmarking 35 percent of gas for private players is a step toward deregulating gas distribution. He thanked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik for opening the sector to private firms, which he said lets UGDC approach foreign companies about investing in Pakistan's distribution network. Paracha argued that private networks would help reduce gas losses and provide cheaper, continuous supply backed by storage.

At present, the state-owned SNGPL and SSGC operate the existing gas distribution networks, while private players now plan joint ventures with foreign companies to build their own. UGDC said it has already made three dormant gas fields operational by turning raw gas into pipeline-quality supply. It is also working with international partners, including US firms, to expand purification capacity and connect stranded reserves to the national grid. Pakistan's ambassador in Bangkok, Sadia Qazi, visited the company's stall and described the participation as a major turning point for Pakistani business abroad.